Summer Running

By MiNDFOOD |
February 3, 2017

Summer Running

Clear the mind and get back your stride to feel fit and ready for summer.

Summer Running

Finding your running rhythm

If you’re not a runner already, then it’s important to start slow. It’s absolutely fine to begin with a mix of walking and running, keeping in mind that a warm-up and cool-down are essential to avoid injury. Stay at your own pace. Don’t try to push yourself running with more experienced friends or fitness groups, but do try to find a friend at your level as running buddies are a great way to stay motivated. Running a bit slower can actually provide more physiological gains for you long-term than pushing yourself to a speed that’s uncomfortable. Better to run a little too slow than a little too fast. If you’re not sure what’s best, try a heart rate monitor. It’s one of the top ways to figure our your heart rate zones and find your correct pace. Getting into a rhythm with pace and breathing takes experience, so take your time.

Push yourself by running up stairs

There are many benefits of including stairs in your run: your heart rate increases and your muscles work harder, specifically your leg muscles. Engaging these muscle groups is key to maintaining core stability. Find a set of stairs to incorporate in your run for high-intensity, short duration intervals for best results.

Run with a Friend

A number of recent studies show that working out with friends is better than exercising alone. Researchers say that if you work out with a friend, you’re likely to push yourself harder than if you’re on your own; you’ll also train for longer, more often and burn more calories. Having a running buddy is the ideal way to make sure you have that extra motivation to run regularly.

Warm up the body

Warming up helps raise the temperature of your body and muscles so they’ll be ready for exercise and prevent injuries. One of the best ways to warm up is by walking. It’s low intensity yet takes muscles, tendons and joints through a range of motions similar to running. Walk on flat ground, then add in stairs to increase intensity.

Studies show that dynamic stretches, such as skipping and butt kicks, are the best way to loosen up muscles and increase heart rate pre-run. End your run with 10 minutes of static stretches. These take your muscle to its longest length, holding it there for an extended time, usually 15 to 60 seconds. Do not bounce into your stretch, as it is likely to tear muscle fibres.